How your local pharmacy can help you lose weight

When I arrived at the pharmacy a member of the pharmacy staff took me into the private consultation area to take some readings. First of all they worked out my body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing your weight (in Kg) by your height (in metres) squared (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/). They then did a blood pressure check and tested my blood glucose and cholesterol levels with a quick pin prick test.

Thankfully, my BMI and other readings were at a healthy level, but if my BMI had been at least 25 then I'd be classed as being overweight and obese if it was over 30. The pharmacy assistant told me that if my BMI had been too high then they'd have helped me with advice on changing my diet and starting an exercise routine. We'd then set a schedule with the aim of losing 5% of my weight with the help of regular follow up weight management appointments at the pharmacy to check on my progress and give me support. Before leaving they gave me a weight loss advice booklet which summarised all the advice they'd given.

I'd recommend the pharmacy's weight management programme to anybody thinking they'd like to lose some weight. They can offer you advice on weight loss medication, guidance on starting a healthy diet and give you ongoing support to help you stay on track. Losing weight can be a tough mental struggle, but knowing the pharmacy staff are there to help and encourage you can make a big difference in losing those pounds for the summer.